“I never gave up” - Kojo’s bid to turn hard road into AFC Cup glory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

“I never gave up” - Kojo’s bid to turn hard road into AFC Cup glory

Bishkek: From being stranded in Rwanda to establishing himself as one of the standout players in the Kyrgyz Republic, Joel Kojo’s unique football story could soon become even more interesting.

In a wide-ranging interview with the-AFC.com, Kyrgyz football’s Ghanaian star discussed the difficult path from Africa to Central Asia, his love for Cristiano Ronaldo and his belief in FC Dordoi’s ability to make history in this season’s AFC Cup.

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Group E: Ahal defeat Dordoi to seal AFC Cup Zonal finals place

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group E: Ahal defeat Dordoi to seal AFC Cup Zonal finals place

Bishkek: Turkmenistan’s FC Ahal became the first side to book a place in the 2021 AFC Cup’s Zonal finals, confirming their status as Group E winners with a 2-0 victory against Kyrgyz Premier League champions FC Dordoi at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on Monday.

Hojaahmet Arazov’s side went ahead through an early own goal from Dordoi’s Alexander Mischenko, before the points were made safe by captain Elman Tagayev 12 minutes from time.

Ahal’s tally of six points means they now cannot be overhauled by either Dordoi or Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan, who will complete the Group E schedule with a dead rubber on Thursday.

Group F: Altyn Asyr edge FC Alay in AFC Cup thriller

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group F: Altyn Asyr edge FC Alay in AFC Cup thriller

Dushanbe: Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FC survived a scare to secure a 5-4 victory over Kyrgyz Republic’s FC Alay in a thrilling encounter on Matchday Two of the 2021 AFC Cup Group F on Monday.

Having started their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Tajikistan’s FC Khujand, Altyn Asyr wasted no time at Central Republican Stadium, taking the game to their opponents straight from kick-off and they were instantly rewarded with goals.

Group F: Nasaf beat Khujand to zoom in on AFC Cup knockout stage berth

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group F: Nasaf beat Khujand to zoom in on AFC Cup knockout stage berth

Dushanbe: Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf continued their hot start to the 2021 AFC Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Tajikistan’s FC Khujand on Matchday Two of Group F on Monday.

Having put four past Kyrgyz Republic side FC Alay in their opening match, the 2011 winners romped to a three-goal lead by half-time and went on to protect their advantage, securing a second consecutive win.

With the result, Nasaf move to the top of Group F with six points to their name. They will need to avoid defeat against Altyn Asyr on the final matchday to secure passage to the Zonal finals.

ASEAN Wrap: Top four all win in Singapore

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Wrap: Top four all win in Singapore

Kuala Lumpur: As the Singapore Premier League moves towards its midway stage, just four points separate the top four sides as the title contenders all recorded wins over the weekend. 

Things are not so close in Australia, however, as Melbourne City remain nine points clear of their nearest challenger despite a draw with Wellington Phoenix bringing an end to their four-game winning run.

Elsewhere, football returned to Cambodia for the first time in more than a month, so join the-AFC.com as we review the best of the action from around Southeast Asia.

East Asia Wrap: Kawasaki Frontale set new unbeaten record after Sapporo win

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Wrap: Kawasaki Frontale set new unbeaten record after Sapporo win

Hong Kong: J1 League leaders Kawasaki Frontale marked a new milestone on Sunday as they extended their undefeated streak to 22 consecutive games, stretching back to last season, with a 2-0 win over Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.

As well as a full set of domestic match fixtures from China PR and Korea Republic's top flights, there were also some big results in Hong Kong, so join the-AFC.com as we review the action from across East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Al Arabi end 19-year wait for Kuwait title, Shabab Al Ahli win UAE President's Cup

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Wrap: Al Arabi end 19-year wait for Kuwait title, Shabab Al Ahli win UAE President's Cup

Dubai: Al Arabi have won the Kuwaiti Premier League for the first time in 19 years after their 3-0 win over Al Sahel gave them an unassailable lead. 

Federico Cartabia, meanwhile, scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Shabab Al Ahli edged Al Nasr 2-1 to win the UAE President's Cup on Sunday.

In Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal widened their lead at the top of the standings to four points despite being held by Al Batin. Join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic action in West Asia.